Predicting memory completeness and accuracy: Emotion and exposure in repeated autobiographical recall

Using a repeated testing procedure modified for an autobiographical event, individuals provided narrative accounts of their memory for the announcemen t of the verdict in a widely publicized murder trial. The goal of the study was to determine whether different factors would predict initial versus fi nal recall performance. Ratings of negative emotional reaction during the e vent predicted initial amount recalled, and frequency of exposure to the ev ent predicted final amount recalled. Judged completeness of recall and phen omenological ratings of the vividness of the memory were also related to fi nal amount recalled. The measured variables were unrelated to recall accura cy. Examining memory over repeated recall attempts offers a fruitful way to examine processes in autobiographical memory. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wile y & Sons, Ltd.